In a moment-packed Sunday at Blythefield Country Club, Carlota Ciganda finally broke her LPGA Tour victory drought–lasting more than eight and a half years–by winning the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give.
Posting an impressive 16-under over four rounds, Ciganda birdied the final two holes to clinch the title. Her last LPGA win came at the 2016 Citi Banamex Lorena Ochoa Invitational, making this triumph especially emotional and significant.
Ciganda delivered rounds of 69, 67, 69, and 67 over four steady days of play.
Final-Round Drama
The final round began tightly, with Ciganda among six players tied at 11-under. She surged forward with seven birdies and two bogeys, carding a 5-under 67 to reach 16-under. Back-to-back birdies on holes 17 and 18 sealed her victory—her trademark composure evident during the closing stretch.
Choi, Ciganda’s closest challenger, also delivered a flawless performance–recording scores in the 60s in all four rounds. But ultimately fell just one shot short at 15-under. Ciganda’s wire-to-wire excellence underlined her consistent quality all week.
“I had a chance to win this tournament,” Choi said. “But the bogey on 17 hole was, yeah, just the one I’m thinking about.”
Ciganda’s final numbers across the tournament were remarkable: nine fairways hit in 13 attempts, reaching 14 greens in regulation, and using just 28 putts in her last round. She tied for the tournament lead in total birdies (23) and was in the top ten for greens hit for the week.
“It feels amazing, obviously, after all these years,” Ciganda said. “I knew I could do it, but obviously once the years keep going and you start getting older you start doubting yourself.”
By winning this event, she became the first Spanish-born player and only the second European–after Leona Maguire in 2023—to win the Meijer LPGA Classic. At 35 years and 14 days old, she was the oldest winner on the LPGA Tour this season.
A Personal & National Milestone
Originally from Pamplona, Spain, and playing collegiate golf at Arizona State, Ciganda turned pro in 2011 and joined both the Ladies European Tour (LET) and LPGA Tour in 2012. She already had eight LET titles and two LPGA wins under her belt–until now.
This win ties her with Beatriz Recari as the most accomplished Spaniards on the LPGA Tour, each boasting three victories. It also highlights a powerful resurgence in Spanish women’s golf, coinciding with countrywoman Paula Martín’s win at the British Women’s Amateur.
Ciganda’s victory delivers more than just a trophy, it boosts her confidence and primes her for upcoming majors–including the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship next week. Along with a $450,000 winner’s check, she surpassed $9.8 million in career earnings.
GettyCarlota Ciganda of Spain poses for a photo with the winners cheque, President and CEO of Meijer Rick Keyes and Tournament Director Cathy Cooper after winning the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give 2025 at Blythefield Country Club on June 15.
“For me age is just a number,” Ciganda said. “I don’t feel as fresh as when I was 24, but I still feel I can compete and I can win out here. I love playing. I love Thursday to Sundays. I love competition.”
For Choi, Somi Lee (who finished third, marking her best LPGA performance to date), and other rising stars, the Meijer served as a stage of breakout opportunities and depth-building on tour.
Now in its 11th year, the Meijer LPGA Classic continues to blend elite golf with local impact. The 2025 event broke records–raising $1.5 million for Midwestern food pantries and setting volunteer and attendance highs. Blythefield’s tree-lined, par-72 layout–resembling conditions in northern Spain—has become a favorite among repeat competitors like Ciganda.
Spanish Star Ends 8-Year Drought with Meijer LPGA Classic Win